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Ah, Rue Saint Dominique, just around the corner from Les Jardins d’Eiffel. It’s full of Parisian cafés, bistros; fashion stores and bakeries.., a charming and picturesque street with great energy and a lot to offer. Not only that, this vibrant place has one of the best Eiffel Tower street views in Paris – day and night, sunny or grey; the view is never disappointing.

From time to time I see Rue Saint Dominique Eiffel Tower pictures pop up in my Instagram feed, but hardly anyone mentions the location! So I think I might be revealing a well kept secret here, and why not or ‘pourquoi pas!’ as the French would say.

A Short Walk To Musée Rodin

A profile view of Rodin’s most famous sculpture ‘The Thinker’, in its beautiful garden setting. Photo credit: Kent Johnson

Musée Rodin (Rodin Museum), what a beautiful art gallery! Whether you were a fan of artist Auguste Rodin or not, Musée Rodin is truly a magnificent spot for a visit. Situated close to the heart of Paris in the 7th arrondissement; the closest Métro stations are Varenne and Invalides. In our case, Kent and I simply enjoyed the walk from Les Jardins d’Eiffel, after all as I always say: ‘Paris is a walking city!’

Musée Rodin was once a mansion called the Hôtel Biron, and was first opened to public as Musée Rodin in 1919. The extensive gardens, which include a pond behind the main building, contains many of Rodin’s most famous sculptures such as The Thinker, TheGates of Hell and The Burghers of Calais, wonderfully displayed among the manicured trees and colourful rose gardens.

Details from KIEFER RODIN exhibition in Rodin Museum.

As this year marks the centenary of the passing of Auguste Rodin, we were fortunate timing-wise to see the special exhibition KIEFER RODIN (that I found mind blowing); a combination of two giants of art – Anselm Kiefer and Auguste Rodin’s astonishing works.

Pont Alexandre III, Alexandre III Bridge, my favourite bridge in this world!
The most ornate and extravagantly detailed bridge in Paris, and all of France in my opinion! I have many memories from here. My countless visits and crossings over.., love, lost and found! Laughter and tears… Somehow I think being 117 years of age and still standing proud and elegant, Pont Alexandre III has been a witness to it all.

Pont Alexandre III connects the left bank and Les Invalides to the right bank’s Grand Palais, Petit Palais and Champs-Élysées. What benefited us the most by staying at a hotel so close? Well we easily took short walks there and back even after dark. Summer time in Paris, after dark means 11PM. So we certainly took advantage of the close proximity with a late night fashion photoshoot – and no Métro or taxi required to get us back home. This fashion story will be in my upcoming post so stay tuned!

The key to having a room with the Eiffel Tower view in Les Jardins d’Eiffel is to book early and to request it. Of course it all depends on the availability really.
For me, the convenience of a romantic stroll at night across Pont Alexandre III, and a room with the Eiffel Tower view has completed my Paris experience. The beauty is, we don’t need to book a five-star hotel for this experience!

It is Fance and your housekeeper may not speak English.
My advice if your French is not up to speed, is to contact the front desk if you need anything. Nothing is ‘too small’ to ask, from wanting more tea bags or champagne glasses to an iron and ironing board. Yes, I asked for them all, more than once too! The staff were polite, helpful and efficient.

Don’t check in for the Wi-Fi.
Unfortunately slow Wi-Fi has been a common issue in our hotel experience. Though some have no problem providing super fast Wi-Fi at all (Hello Singapore!). Hoteliers really should take this matter seriously as mobile workers have rated Wi-Fi as second in importance only to a comfortable bed in hotels. The slow Wi-Fi frustrated Kent who needed it to backup our travel pictures. As for me, I was indulging in a few days of internet-free freedom!

Fancy a room with the Eiffel Tower view in Paris? Les Jardins d’Eiffel certainly has them, and more of the beauty of Paris just a short walk away.

Vivienne is a traveller, author; story teller and sometimes a muse. She seeks a balance between travelling in comfort and style with value; perhaps being the daughter of a hotelier helps there. Through White Caviar Life, you will share in her travel experiences, stories and tips that she hopes to help enhance your own travel.